HB 1450: School computers/device tax

Summary

• Directs the educational service districts to establish: (1) a procurement program for student learning devices and appropriate devices for school staff; and (2) a digital navigator program to provide technical assistance and other supports for students, students' families, and school staff.
• Requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to: (1) establish a grant program to fund the purchase of student learning devices and appropriate devices for certain school staff; and (2) develop and implement a state plan for reducing technology equity gaps in the public schools.
• Directs the school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal compact schools to provide learning devices to each student and appropriate devices to certain staff, beginning in the 2022-23 school year; and provides that students will not be financially responsible for damage or loss to learning devices, unless the damage or loss was willful.
• Imposes a tax on retail sales of certain smart wireless devices, beginning October 1, 2021.

From the House Bill Analysis 2021 (HB 1450), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗